Thursday, May 18, 2006

Another new model from Naza

Actually not really a new model but who cares. I might be mistaken but this might be some kind of record. I mean, it is not even a month since the Naza Sutera was launched and he comes out with another car - a Malaysian version of the Peugeot 206.

The Naza 206 Bestari was launched yesterday by Datuk Seri Najib Tun Abdul Razak. This follows the MOU signed in September last year between Naza and Peugeot.

Again dual airbags and automated braking system (ABS) are standard accessories.

I have always loved the sleak designs of Peugeot cars but I could only admire them due to their high after tax prices here. People also warned me that there was a problem with spare parts of European cars were really expensive (if they were available). The car is priced at an affordable RM68,888 (on the road). Even more amazing is the fact that the car will have a three-year or 100,000km warranty. The car has 435 local components produced by 24 vendors

Automobiles Peugeot's International Operations Division executive vice-president Bernd Schantz was also there at the launch and said the 206 Bestari was the result of eight months of hard work between Naza and Peugeot.

I forsee that Naza might very well over take the two other "National cars" soon considering that Naza is not only targeting the domestic market but is actively looking at exporting their cars. Peugeot has given them permission to export the 206 Bestari to right-hand drive countries in the Asian region. They expect to sell 10,000 units in the first year in both the local and international markets.

I am beginning to admire Naza Group chairman and CEO Tan Sri Nasimuddin SM Amin. I was watching his interview in TV1. On being asked what the selling points of the car was (or somethign like that, he pointed out: 1. Sporty design, 2. Value for money 3. 4 doors, 4. Safety features. I noticed he stressed the "value for money part", which shows that he understands the feelings of most Malaysian customers.